false 111 64 57 true 5629736 read 2 true 2740034 currently-reading 5 true 2740033 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75865960 to: Applique Your Way (Paperback) by Kayte Terry
I really enjoyed Kayte Terry's last book: Complete Embellishing: Techniques and Projects and I can tell you that her newest book does not disappoint! I think it's even better than her first.

First of all, the photos and drawings are lovely (as is the cover) and I love the hand-written font used for section titles.

The book begins with a brief intro and history of appliqué, then some quick info on tools, techniques, and inspiration. Next you'll find some how-to instructions that include some terrific tips that go beyond common sense (and common sewing knowledge). The book also includes drawings showing some basic embroidery stitches, how to embroider with beads and sequins, and how to make fabric yo-yos (no special tool required!).

The Falling Leaves Ballet Flats project is the first and is one of my favs. It's super-simple and easy but these are some seriously adorable shoes! This project is a must for dressing up a plain pair of flats. The Pretty as a Peacock Clutch is another favorite. I could see adapting this project to your favorite design motif or animal (I'm thinking owls). It's retro-inspired and sooo cute. I've just learned to crochet so the Crochet Appliqué Tee is another project I see in my future. The instructions seem do-able for a beginner that's had some practice.

The book goes on to show appliqué ideas for shirts, pants, skirts, sweaters, and more. Not all projects are traditional appliqué — many are 3D (think 3-dimensional roses and bows).

The book also features home projects such as doily coasters and appliqué pillows. There are also instructions for appliquéd table linens and those fabric birthday banners that are so popular now. The layered frames wall appliqués are also really trendy, yet offer a unique way to achieve this look.

Next, we've got appliqué cards, an adorable watermelon pin-cushion, and my favorite, the How Does Your Garden Grow? Apron. The flowers are made from fabric yo-yos. LOVE! The Felted Faux Bois Scarf is also amazing and so "in" right now. I can see making these projects as holiday gifts. The dog sweater, apple tote, and mixed tape phone cozy are also terrific gift ideas.

The instructions are easy to follow, the diagrams are both cute and easy to read, and the book comes with an envelope of patterns (embroidery and sewing), which is awesome because you don't have to try free-handing them or enlarging drawings from the book. I really loved everything about this book and can't wait to start embellsihing everything!

P.S.) Loving Kayte Terry's blog as well: www.thisisloveforever.com. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75865752 The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen: Live Well, Laugh Often, Cook Much (Hardcover) by Serena Thompson
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/55894170 to: Craft Challenge: Dozens of Ways to Repurpose a Pillowcase (Paperback) by Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/55894234 to: Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design (Paperback) by Faythe Levine
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/29912060 to: The Doodle Formula: A Step-by-step Guide to Creating the Perfect Doodle (Paperback) by Adrienne Looman
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/33545077 to: Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish (Paperback) by Jenny Ryan
I am loving this book - its definitely one of my favorite sewing books on the market right now. First of all, the title doesn't lie, these are some seriously cute projects, folks. Almost a lethal dose of cute. Not in a bad way. The book is beautifully laid out - love the gingham and polka dots! Jenny's fabric choices are brilliant - I especially love the fact that she used vintage fabrics and pillowcases, with a little bit of cute Japanese fabric thrown in.

The book begins with a bio/ introduction as most craft books do, then goes into tools and techniques. I'm excited to find that I have a lot of these tools already (bias tape maker and yo-yo maker) - but I don't know how to use them so I'm excited to learn. Next there's a bit on free-motion quilting and some other "basics" like sewing a zippered pocket. Jenny promises it's not as hard as it looks and I believe her, which is half the battle, I think. If you are a more advanced seamstress, you might skip this part. If you are a more advanced seamstress, you might skip this part.

Most of the projects seem easy enough for a beginner so I'm excited to try them. I am loving the necklace tank, fabric button necklace, and reversable headband in the Pretties section. The eyeglasses cozy and appiqued tote are also a couple of my favorites, as is the merit badge wristlet (genuis!), in the Totables section. In the Nest section, I am eager to make the Happy Hostess Dishtowels. Another section for Kid's Stuff includes instructions for a Silly Snake that reminds me of a puzzle my dad made me when I was younger. It also gives you a new use for shrunken sweaters. The Square Bear is also adorable and I love the fact that Jenny incorporates embroidery and vintage buttons. One last section called Crafties includes a crochet hook cozy that makes me want to learn to crochet and a Nifty Needle Book that I really need for my embroidery needles. I love how the projects are not only cute but practical.

I read another review that accused this book of being un-hip and to that I say "un-true!" Ok, so I'm not the coolest kid on the block but I do keep up with the latest handmade fashions and as far as I can tell, cute is definitely "in." Besides, if you don't like Jenny's use of mellow fabrics, you can always substitute color combos like black and hot pink or skull prints. Plus the cover gives a good indication of whether the projects will fit your personal style. Personally, I love them.

]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/40380162 to: Handmade Hellos: Fresh Greeting Card Projects from First-Rate Crafters (Paperback) by Chronicle Books
I was excited to see this book on the shelves - you don't see many hip paper-crafting books and it was a nice change from the bazillions of fiber art books that grace the shelves (not that I don't love those as well). I must fess-up, I was a little worried that the inside projects wouldn't be as cute as the cover (don't you hate it when that happens?!) so I hemmed and hawed over it until I read Jennifer Perkin's review.

Fear not! The projects on the inside of the book are every bit as cute as the one on the cover! I usually think of paper crafts (a.k.a. scrap-booking) as being very cookie-cutterish. You know, you buy all the matching papers and embellishments and it's all perfect and matchy-matchy.

The "Wood you be mine?" Valentine cards from Two Trick Pony had to be my favorite project. I love the look of the wood + kitschy phrase + the method they used was a simplified silk-screening technique that you can do at home with a few simple supplies. You can view more projects on Craftypod. Another project that I really loved was the felt octopus card with button eyes - too cute!

This book serves as great inspiration and really shows that you can break out of the box when it comes to paper-crafting. Most of these cards can be made with extra scraps, recycled materials, and other things you may already have lying around the house. And if you've ever wanted an overview of how to silk-screen or use a Print Gocco then you're in luck!

The projects are super-cute, easy to follow, and the book comes with an envelope full of templates. What more could you ask for? ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/26127382 to: The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girl's Guide to Handmade Jewelry (Paperback) by Jennifer Perkins
I love Jennifer Perkin's style so I knew right away that I would LOVE this book. And boy was I right.

Jennifer says it best in the book intro "If you prefer your jewelry subtle and serious, you might want to go ahead and set this book back on the shelf." This book is not for the faint-hearted!

All of the office and secretary references and facts make the book a fun read. The photos are fun and kitschy and will make your mouth water for colorful plastic trinkets a.k.a. what my mother would call "junk!"

The best thing about this book is that Jennifer shows us how to go beyond beads. There are tons of jewelry-making/ beading books out there right now, but how many of them tell you how to make jewelry from old motel keys, cupcake toppers, and telephone cords? Not only that, but she does it WITH STYLE.

As far as techniques, the book begins with some simple wire-wrapping and jump ring how-tos but then quickly jumps into resin and how to use a hand-held drill. Now that's what I'm talking about. I already own the supplies for both but have been afraid to try them out - until now!

There are some amazingly simple projects for the beginning beader. And while the supplies may seem a bit unusual, you'll have many of these things laying around your house (or office)! Kind of makes me wish I was a Naughty Secretary, hording supplies to make jewelry under my desk.

Most if not all, of the projects are instant-gratification. Resin casting is probably the most complicated technique used but even that doesn't seem too time intensive.

My favorite projects? The tie one on headband is pretty cute, made from a man's vintage necktie. You've got to love the Secretary's Delight (cast resin) bracelet - it's chunky and fun. I'm particularly interested in the Copy Machine necklace - it uses something called UTEE, which I hadn't heard of before. There's even a recipe in here for margarita cake. YUM.

This book is fun and funny and just oozes Naughty Secretary Club style, as well it should considering the title! I'm going to hit up my local thrift stores and flee market for supplies and then I'm going to get busy making! ]]> http://apps.facebook.com/good_reads/ check it out » ]]>